True G/S Lineage: The New BMW R 12 G/S

Date posted on March 3, 2026

BMW Motorrad and off-road sport. This motorsport success story runs like a red thread through the company’s history. The high-torque boxer engine in combination with the cardan drive has proven its winning ability and durability in countless competitions.

It was not until 1980 that BMW Motorrad took the concept of an enduro with a boxer engine into series production. The BMW R 80 G/S was born. A series-production off-road bike that had never been seen before, blessed with off-road expertise, touring ability and dynamic on-road qualities in equal measure. The abbreviation G/S (“Gelände/Straße” meaning off-road/street) summed up the all-round qualities of this motorcycle perfectly.

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW Motorrad in the Philippines presents the New BMW R 12 G /S which is limited to just 10 units in the Philippines and in a single, all-option variant, Option 719 Sand Rover Matt/Aragonite. The new BMW R 12 G/S skillfully captures the spirit of the off-road enduro with a boxer engine in the style of the R 80 G/S in terms of design and perfectly transfers it into the present day with modern technology. With long suspension travel, cross-spoke wheels, and a small, compact cockpit fairing.

A powerful boxer engine with superior power and torque. Ever since the first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, was launched in 1923, BMW Motorrad boxer engines have been synonymous with unmistakable, original and authentic design, a full torque curve, and a unique sound character. The same is true of the new B MW R 12 G/ S. The air/oil-cooled 101mm bore, 73mm stroke, 1,170cc capacity boxer engine delivers 109 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 115 Nm at 6,5000 rpm. The left-side exhaust system with a high-mounted rear silencer meets the requirements for a classic enduro.

Enduro Package Pro as standard. All launch models of the new BMW R 12 G/ S in the Philippines come with the comprehensive Enduro Package Pro as standard. 21-inch and 18-inch wheels with knobby tires for the front and rear respectively, an enduro footrest system with an enlarged contact area and three rows of spikes for optimum grip on the footrest, a 20mm handlebar riser, hand guards, and a sturdy belly pan. This package is completed by a seat height of 875 mm. All elements of a motorcycle that’s ready for those who dare.

Ergonomics to take you anywhere. The new BMW R 12 G/ S utilizes the one-piece tubular bridge steel spaceframe of the R 12 family. The rear frame is made of tubular steel and is bolted to the main frame. The steering head is slightly higher and further forward on the new BMW R 12 G/S for off-road comfort and a wide steering angle. Long suspension travel comes in the form of a fully adjustable upside-down telescopic front fork with 45 mm diameter and 210 mm of travel. The rear wheel is guided by the familiar Paralever swingarm, with suspension and damping provided by 200 mm of travel with an angled spring strut and full adjustability.

Riding technology meets adaptability. The new BMW R 12 G/S features several riding modes to tailor the performance and comfort to whatever the situation demands. Rain, Road, and Enduro modes come standard, and with the Enduro Pro mode also being available with the Enduro Pro Package. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) ensures a high level of safety when accelerating, and for off-road use, DTC can be switched off entirely. Additionally, the new BMW R 12 G/S comes equipped with engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard.

Shift Assistant Pro takes care of clutchless up shifts and downshifts, and stopping power is assisted by two axially mounted 2-piston floating calipers and a 310mm disc. The rear gets a single 2-piston floating caliper and 265 mm diameter brake disc. BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (part integral) is standard, also offering ABS-assisted braking when leaning into corners.

Now featuring a compact LED round headlight with the iconic “X” lighting signature as standard, the new BMW R 12 G/S features all LED lighting technology for indicators and brake lights. The Headlight Pro feature offers lean-sensitive cornering lights for even more riding safety no matter the time of day. Additionally, Keyless Ride means that starting the next adventure is just with the press of a button.